The Great Lakes trout and steelhead tributary fishing is kicking off strong, and even though we could use a little more rain across the region it seems we are on track for another great year. We thought we’d highlight some ideal setups, flies and tactics for those looking to get in on the action this fall, and in hopes you can skip a little bit of the learning curve if you’re new to the game. While every tributary is different having slightly unique nuances compared to others, there are tons of similarities allowing you to take a general approach to have success on the water.
Top 3 Preferred Rod Setups
In many instances these setups can be used on most Great Lakes tributaries, but there are often scenarios where larger rivers or smaller creeks can require gear outside our listings. Although there are many other ways to target migratory trout and steelhead, these are the more common methods of fly fishing, and a great starting point if you are just getting in on the action.
Indicator Setup
Swing Setup
Tightline | High Stick Setup
Top Preferred Flies
The vast majority of trout and steelhead are entering tributaries to chase down salmon eggs, which makes fly choice fairly straight forward. However, there are many waterways that do not have salmon, meaning anglers need to focus more on streamers and nymph patterns. These fly patterns are a great starting point if you’re fishing a new tributary and unfamiliar with exactly what to throw.
Glo Bug Eggs
Ideal for most water situations. You can tie these flies in many colors, as well as varying sizes.
Estaz Eggs
Best used in fast, heavier, off-colored water. Bright pink, orange, and chartreuse tend to be the most successful color patterns.
Streamer
Best for tributaries that have no salmon or hold a ton of baitfish. Olive and white are a great starting point.
Egg Sucking Leech
Typically best used where rivers have slow, mucky moving estuaries before rocky bottom. Black rabbit strips with a red or pink egg are best.
Intruder
These come in many sizes and color variations and are best used when swinging runs. Copper, turquoise, pink, black, and anything with some flash can work well.
Stonefly Nymphs
Best used in waterways where salmon are not present, or later in the fall when salmon eggs are no longer prevalent. Typical sizes range from 6–12.
Number 1 Focus: Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to Great Lakes tributary fishing, especially rivers and creeks that are not controlled by dams. Hitting the water at just the right time can make for an exceptional day of catching fish, whereas mistiming your trip turns into more of just a learning experience.
Learning how to study water flows on the rivers and creeks you plan to target is the easiest, most important way to succeed in catching migratory fish. A key factor is understanding the average flows for that time of year, your maximum flows where it’s too dangerous to fish or a waste of time, and the minimum flows where fish won’t enter the waterways.
Hit it on the drop. I’ve always succeeded in fishing tributaries when water flows are receding back to normal, coming down from large pulses of rainwater. The higher the pulse of water, the better. Try to time your trip on a day when flows recede into slightly higher than average water levels, as that will typically result in much better angling opportunities.
Other Helpful Tips
- Watch the weather. Anticipating the rain and how much precipitation can fall is ideal for smaller tributaries.
- Get there early. Don’t sleep in and go stand on top of everyone else.
- Pick up after others so we can always enjoy public water or private easements.
- Support your local shops in the area as they can help point you in the right direction.
- Leave actively spawning fish alone.
- Learn the regulations prior to fishing, as many tributaries have their own rules.
